The BEST beauty tips from around the world!

I've been backpacking for over 14 months now - from India to Tanzania - and along the way I've met beauty challenges and sourced solutions in equal measure. Ever the beauty editor, I've compiled the killer tips discovered from girls all over the globe plus my own trial-'n'-error travel beauty techniques which I'd like to share with you. Here are the best to try on your hols and at home...

- Primer is key for making makeup stay put in humid weather. Use it in the morning under foundation then apply a translucent powder on top to reset your makeup later in the day.

- In humidity also use smudge-proof or water-proof makeup. Gel blusher is great as it lasts longer and looks natural.

- Swap bottled water for fresh coconut water on tropical travels. Although just as cheap, the tasty treat prevents dry skin because it's packed with vitamins and minerals.

- Dusty conditions block pores which can result in pimples. In Laos, after taking dusty busses, my only saviour was deep-cleansing with packet face masks.

- If you're away long-term and need a haircut ask around hostels for a travelling hairdresser. Failing that hotel beauty salons are your safest bet for cuts and colouring in developing countries. Don't worry if you're heading to Japan though - it has the highest ratio of hairdressers per person in the world!

- If you can't afford to have your roots tended to, try the old school lemon juice highlights method. It worked for me in Cambodia!

- Put gloopy nail varnish in a cup of boiling water to revive it, this is a saviour after six months on the road!

- After swimming in pools wash your hair in soda water. It helps to rinse away chlorine build-up which can damage your locks. Also apply a sun protection spray to prevent chemicals penetrating the hair causing it to dry and make it easier to comb preventing breakage.

- Don't rub hair dry with a towel after being in the pool or sea as this will cause damage to the cuticles making strands straw like. Let it to dry naturally, twisting individual sections to enhance beachy waves.

- For a wholly natural facial peel, a yoga guru in Honduras taught me to score the skin of a green papaya and apply the sap sparingly.

- Rub the inside of freshly cut pineapple skin onto your face for a refreshing, vitamin boost. You absorb up to 60% of any substance applied to your skin - food for thought!

- Barter for beauty treatments in developing countries and if possible get group deals.

- Massage techniques are different everywhere. In South India I had a treatment totally starkers, in China fully dressed. Note: In Cambodia and Thailand check there are 'absolutely no extras'!

- Save samples of foundations and face creams from mags for over-night trips when you're travelling, I did this on my trip to the Amazon in Ecuador and didn't have to sacrifice space in my overnight bag for clothes.

- Wherever you are in the world, source local products and ask residents for their tips - they know the environments better than you can.